The original Dirt was a fantastic game. It had great driving physics, graphics, and a slick presentation, all of which conspired to create one of my favorite racing games of all time. Dirt 2 eclipses its predecessor on every front, and packages it in a modern, accessible package that race fans of any gaming pedigree are sure to enjoy.

The original Dirt was a fantastic game. It had great driving physics, graphics, and a slick presentation, all of which conspired to create one of my favorite racing games of all time. Dirt 2 eclipses its predecessor on every front, and packages it in a modern, accessible package that race fans of any gaming pedigree are sure to enjoy.

Colin McRae DiRT 2 is easily the best racing game of 2009 and with only a few months left of the year, I'm doubting that another game of this genre will knock it off its perch. With perfect gameplay that can be played by all levels of gamers, it also often veterans of the series something sturdy, challenging and difficult but for the average gamer, it makes racing fun. Add in some extraordinary detailed graphics, a pumping soundtrack and a enriching career mode and it's easy to become caught up in the atmosphere of DiRT 2 that will keep you wanting to race just one more track.

Whether you are playing against the computer, edging out an opponent in an online race, or laughing at your hijinks in the instant replay, DiRT 2 is just straight up fun. With a large variety of race modes, gameplay and difficulty types, excellent audio and video, DiRT 2 has something for everyone. At $40 you get a lot to play with for a long time, so don't miss out on this one. See you on the racetrack.

DiRT 2 is one of the best racing experiences of the year. Hell, it might actually be the best racer of the year. It's certainly mine, and while I can fully understand that some might not dig the decidedly arcade bent that the Colin McRae (RIP) series has taken, the sheer amount of variety and longevity that you're given for your sixty bucks is flat-out fantastic. Combine that with a ridiculous sense of speed, some wonderful variety to the race and vehicle types and the single most impressive menus I've ever seen in a game and you'll understand why it'll take just those first 15 minutes to fall in love. Trust me.

DiRT 2 is an absolute triumph, and anyone who had a hand in its production should be very proud of themselves. Please, keep doing this. Keep honoring the memory of Colin McRae with outstanding videogames that capture the spirit of what he did. Continue this kind of sky-high quality and you've already got my money waiting for the third installment.

Much of DiRT 2 is, actually. Anyone who loved the original should pick this up as soon as possible, and if you’re new to the genre, at least download the demo and give it a shot. I’m sure you’ll enjoy it once you’ve gotten used to the controls, and find that the game’s wide variety of well-done events result in an incredibly fun experience that should please nearly anyone.

DiRT 2 is without doubt the most comprehensive and utterly playable off-road racing game we’ve ever played. The overall racing experience is never anything but pleasurable, the depth and range of challenges on offer lending massive longevity and the presentation is also nothing short of exceptional. A pitch perfect balance between immediate arcade playability and detailed realism make DiRT 2 a rally game for every race fan out there. Put simply, this is without doubt the best racing game you’re likely to play this year.

Much of DiRT 2 is, actually. Anyone who loved the original should pick this up as soon as possible, and if you’re new to the genre, at least download the demo and give it a shot. I’m sure you’ll enjoy it once you’ve gotten used to the controls, and find that the game’s wide variety of well-done events result in an incredibly fun experience that should please nearly anyone.

DiRT 2 is without doubt the most comprehensive and utterly playable off-road racing game we’ve ever played. The overall racing experience is never anything but pleasurable, the depth and range of challenges on offer lending massive longevity and the presentation is also nothing short of exceptional. A pitch perfect balance between immediate arcade playability and detailed realism make DiRT 2 a rally game for every race fan out there. Put simply, this is without doubt the best racing game you’re likely to play this year.

I know that I’ve probably overstated it, but really, for rally fans and people who enjoy a different racing experience, this is the perfect package. It is the quintessential rallying experience and really your only option for a racing game that not only gets the spirit of rally right, but also features it as the primary game mode. It’s fun, exciting, and the first game in five years to get me perched on the edge of the couch, coaching my car through turns by twisting my controller in the air. It’s brought out my inner five-year-old and I couldn’t be much happier.

Don’t be deterred by the subject matter if you think you don’t like racing games. Dirt 2 is charming, fun and exciting all rolled up into one big ball. A lot of times when we review games here at TeamXbox, we don’t really end up playing them all that much after the review is done—even the good ones. But Dirt 2 is one of those games I can pick up at any time and still have a great time. And that simple designation is the best recommendation I can possibly give a game.

It’s fun, exciting, and the first game in five years to get me perched on the edge of the couch, coaching my car through turns by twisting my 360 controller in the air. It’s brought out my inner five-year-old and I couldn’t be much happier.

At its core, this puppy has taken its serious sim roots, mixed in a few casual-friendly options and thrown in a plethora of content (both online and offline) to keep finicky gamers interested. It kept me coming back even after failing an embarrassing number of races with my overzealous steering. Highly recommended.

DiRT 2 has all the flair and panache we've come to expect from the franchise, building upon an IP that has come to represent the very best in off-road racing. Eight-player online racing provides endless gameplay and all eight of the relevant disciplines are catered for, from point-to-point endurance to time trials, rally and beyond. It is without doubt the most comprehensive and utterly playable off-road racing title we've ever played, the pitch perfect balance between immediate arcade gratification and detailed authenticity making for a matchless rally experience. Colin McRae: DiRT 2 is simply racing at its most unreservedly sublime.

This is a fun rally racing game that leans more toward arcade action than driving simulation. Newcomers will find it easy to get into and advanced players will enjoy multiplayer. The graphics and in-game presentation are well done.

At its core, this puppy has taken its serious sim roots, mixed in a few casual-friendly options and thrown in a plethora of content (both online and offline) to keep finicky gamers interested. It kept me coming back even after failing an embarrassing number of races with my overzealous steering. Highly recommended.

Once again it seems as if Codemasters excels at what they do best, which is racing games. Without a shadow of a doubt this is the most addicting off road game to date, it's gorgeous in every aspect, provides hours of game play in single player mode, and even more in multiplayer events, handles wonderfully, and even has adjustable A.I. for various skill level gamers. If you liked the first DiRT title, then you'll love DiRT 2. If you just like racing in general and haven't tried your hand at off road rally events, you may just find yourself falling in love with a new way to race, or even if you've "been there, done that" with Colin McRae for many years, DiRT 2 still provides enough freshness and frantic racing that will make this a purchase for you as well. Enjoy your stay; it's going to be a bumpy ride!

DiRT 2 is a hugely enjoyable and well rounded game. It might not be as sim-like in nature as some hardcore rally fans may have wanted, but what it does offer is thrilling and enjoyable racing. The variety of racing events is varied enough that you won't get bored any time soon, and the multiplayer functionality provides some great experiences. The extreme sports style vibe was a risky move but it's paid off well for Codemasters, making DiRT 2 an original proposition in a genre full of titles frequently playing it safe. A fitting tribute to Colin McRae indeed.

Minor problems aside, DIRT 2 is everything racing fans will want from an off-road racer. The driving is fast, fun and be tailored to your skill level. Hardcore fans will work hard shaving split seconds off their best times, while novices can still work through the career and have fun with their fiends online. Wrap up this enjoyable rally experience with the best racing game visuals we've ever seen and DIRT 2 becomes a must-buy game. It's too early to give it the crown of racing game of the year, but it'll take something very special to outdo this classy Codemasters effort.

DiRT 2’s got character – admittedly it’s one that’s over loud and a little obnoxious – but, as an antidote to the buttoned down brigade of driving games that are on the horizon, it’s more than welcome. Even those who might sniff at the game’s focus on the extreme end of off-road motorsport will find it hard to scoff at its rewarding handling model, its sense of atmosphere and its sumptuous visuals, all of which help make it a highlight of the Colin McRae series.

DiRT 2 is a worthy successor to the original, getting practically everything right. While I would have liked to have seen a greater emphasis on more technical rally racing, I had a blast with every aspect of the title. From the solid visuals to the sweet tracks, DiRT 2's got a lot to love.

It's not details like these that make Dirt 2 such a superb racing game though. What makes Dirt 2 so special is the fact that its multiple difficulty levels and forgiving gameplay mechanics make it accessible to newcomers while offering a significant challenge for veterans of Codemasters' Colin McRae Rally series and other off-road racers. There's also the single-player mode that spans no fewer than 100 events (often comprising multiple races), a suite of multiplayer options that includes plenty of different modes and leaderboards, and, of course, your sweet RV, which fills with souvenirs from all of the locations that you race at as your career progresses. If you have even a passing interest in off-road racing, you won't regret a second spent behind the wheel of Dirt 2.

Dirt 2 plunders the best bits from two great racing series to create what is essentially Colin McRae: GRID. The quality is so high, you'll wonder how your console is doing this at all, let alone so seamlessly. A racing classic that does Colin McRae's memory justice.

DiRT 2 is about as good of a sequel as you can ask for. It took everything that made the original so good and amplified it, while still managing to address all of the criticisms. If you love rally racing, or just racing games in general this is one of the best out there right now. Hardcore simulation fans may be disappointed by the more arcade approach, but if you can get past that you will find plenty to love with Codemasters' latest. One of the most beautiful, best playing racing games ever created; be sure not to pass it up.

So, all in all, you can see that I've scored DIRT 2 higher than Need for Speed: SHIFT. But, there's one thing to remember, in my NFS review, I told EA that if they patched the game up and fixed some of the errors and glitches, I'd bump the NFS score to a 9, as well. So the war for best racer of the year isn't over, EA has three months to fix a few odd issues. Regardless of NFS, DIRT 2 is a pristine racing game. Nevermind that it's focused on rally, it feels so damn tight and responsive, on top of looking like a dream. It's one of the best playing game engines out there, and one of the best looking too. And to experience this with a Logitech G25 or G27 wheel is heavenly. This is definitely my biggest surprise of the year. You must own this.

Truth be told, DiRT 2 is a lot like GRID. And that is perfectly acceptable. The off-road action and polished gameplay are enough to make this a real winner for racing fans. DiRT 2 walks the fine line between simulation and arcade racing with a great acrobatic routine that keeps each style in a harmonious balance that is fueled by adrenaline and high-octane gasoline. With the most polish and highest production values yet, DiRT 2 should be taken out for a test drive by everyone.

DiRT 2 is an unmissable package for racing enthusiasts. It may have strayed even further away from its original rally roots but the execution is near perfection, reinforcing Codemaster’s racing pedigree in the genre.

DiRT 2 is about as good of a sequel as you can ask for. It took everything that made the original so good and amplified it, while still managing to address all of the criticisms. If you love rally racing, or just racing games in general this is one of the best out there right now. Hardcore simulation fans may be disappointed by the more arcade approach, but if you can get past that you will find plenty to love with Codemasters' latest. One of the most beautiful, best playing racing games ever created; be sure not to pass it up.

t's not details like these that make Dirt 2 such a superb racing game though. What makes Dirt 2 so special is the fact that its multiple difficulty levels and forgiving gameplay mechanics make it accessible to newcomers while offering a significant challenge for veterans of Codemasters' Colin McRae Rally series and other off-road racers. There's also the single-player mode that spans no fewer than 100 events (often comprising multiple races), a suite of multiplayer options that includes plenty of different modes and leaderboards, and, of course, your sweet RV, which fills with souvenirs from all of the locations that you race at as your career progresses. If you have even a passing interest in off-road racing, you won't regret a second spent behind the wheel of Dirt 2.

DiRT 2’s got character – admittedly it’s one that’s over loud and a little obnoxious – but, as an antidote to the buttoned down brigade of driving games that are on the horizon, it’s more than welcome. Even those who might sniff at the game’s focus on the extreme end of off-road motorsport will find it hard to scoff at its rewarding handling model, its sense of atmosphere and its sumptuous visuals, all of which help make it a highlight of the Colin McRae series.

DiRT 2 is a worthy successor to the original, getting practically everything right. While I would have liked to have seen a greater emphasis on more technical rally racing, I had a blast with every aspect of the title. From the solid visuals to the sweet tracks, DiRT 2's got a lot to love.

After its long history of racing-game triumphs (the Colin McRae and TOCA series, Dirt, and then Grid), Dirt 2 is exactly the kind of great racing game we’ve come to expect from Codies. Cheers to them for coming through again.

Minor problems aside, DIRT 2 is everything racing fans will want from an off-road racer. The driving is fast, fun and be tailored to your skill level. Hardcore fans will work hard shaving split seconds off their best times, while novices can still work through the career and have fun with their fiends online. Wrap up this enjoyable rally experience with the best racing game visuals we've ever seen and DIRT 2 becomes a must-buy game. It's too early to give it the crown of racing game of the year, but it'll take something very special to outdo this classy Codemasters effort.

More than that, though, the cars are great fun to drive, the races are exciting and each one of the courses is beautifully thought out and lavishly decorated. Codies must have faced some very tough decisions when it came to continuing the series beyond the death of its figurehead, but there's no finer tribute than a brilliant game that will introduce his legacy to legions of new fans and spark fresh interest in the sport he loved.

Dirt 2 plunders the best bits from two great racing series to create what is essentially Colin McRae: GRID. The quality is so high, you'll wonder how your console is doing this at all, let alone so seamlessly. A racing classic that does Colin McRae's memory justice.

Now every event can be played online with up to seven of your friends. In multiplayer every car is available despite what your progress is in your offline tour mode. There is some great damage modeling on the car and the replays after you complete a race add a cinematic feel to the game and can definitely show you some “cool” moments that happened throughout the race. Dirt 2 is a really fun racing title that everyone should be able to enjoy. If you are not a fan of one particular type of racing then you can simply play something else. If you want to complete the tour you will have to play every mode, however, it is broken up enough where everyone should be happy. Check out the demo on XBox Live and see what you think. If you like what you see I highly reccommend that you give the retail version a chance. Even if you are someone who tends to like their racers more “arcade-y” you owe it to yourself to give this title a chance. You might be surprised by how much you like it.

Dirt returns to the gaming scene better than ever and pays a nice homage to the career of Colin McRae. From bumper to bumper, DiRT 2 is a complete and feature rich experience that looks and sounds as well as it plays. Race fans should not miss this one.

All in all I was pleasantly surprised with Dirt 2, the look and feel of the game made up for the lack of the “Sim” factor, but to be honest I enjoyed the more casual approach to it. I didn’t miss the Sim like feel of the Rally Sport series as much as I thought, Dirt 2 offers up simple choices in the pits but delivers big time on the track. The casual feel extends into the events themselves by not making you have to finish all events to unlock new ones keeping the game and racing fun and fresh and still delivering a sense of accomplishment as you move from event to event. So if you enjoy rolling in the “Dirt”…had to do it, Dirt 2 is well worth your time and gaming dollar, a great racing package was delivered by Codemasters with this one.

It's not details like these that make Dirt 2 such a superb racing game though. What makes Dirt 2 so special is the fact that its multiple difficulty levels and forgiving gameplay mechanics make it accessible to newcomers while offering a significant challenge for veterans of Codemasters' Colin McRae Rally series and other off-road racers. There's also the single-player mode that spans no fewer than 100 events (often comprising multiple races), a suite of multiplayer options that includes plenty of different modes and leaderboards, and, of course, your sweet RV, which fills with souvenirs from all of the locations that you race at as your career progresses. If you have even a passing interest in off-road racing, you won't regret a second spent behind the wheel of Dirt 2.

If you have any interest at all in rally racing, then Dirt 2 is simply a must play. Even if your interests in the racing genre lie in other disciplines, you’d still likely do well to give Dirt 2 a try. By combining fantastic presentation with impressive racing action, Dirt 2 could very well be the sleeper victor in a very crowded genre.

Dirt 2 is the first of the big racing games about to be introduced to our consoles with the others (and perhaps bigger names) such as Gran Turismo 5, PGR5 and Blur all on the Horizon. The advantage that Dirt 2 has is that it is out first, is quite diverse and is also a very good racer (both in looks and execution). Whether you intend to buy these other games or not this title is certainly worth a look in the meantime.

Many of the elements here are carry-overs from other games, but they are very well implemented into the overall design of Dirt 2. Couple that with impressive graphics, entertaining handling control schemes and you have a wonderfully enjoyable PS3 racer.

Dirt 2 isn’t only for rally fans; it’s for all racing fans that have ever enjoyed pushing the pedal to medal in neck-and-neck high speed race. Not only does Dirt 2 have the speed, but it also has the danger, the graphics, and polish to be one of the most notable racers in the "next-generation" era of gaming. Codemasters knows how to make an impact and Dirt 2 continues to push the boundaries of off-road racing to the next level. The purists might not want to admit it, but hell; Dirt 2 is one smashing rally racing game. Sure, the sim aspects have been toned down, but Dirt 2 still has enough mojo to make you forget what you've missed in the first place. If you are a fan of racing games then Dirt 2 should be moved up in your priority list... this is one racer you shouldn't miss. Colin McRae would be proud, Codemasters has done it again.

Dirt 2 is an exceptionally well made, accessible racing game. While some hardcore racing fans may not like some of the arcade-style aspects of it, most gamers will be won over by the brilliant graphics and addictive gameplay. If you're not a rally fan, after playing Dirt 2, I assure you will be.

There is a lot of racing here to keep fans happy, and really, that’s the important thing. With online tournaments that take a leaf from Project Gotham 3’s book there’s also a reason to keep playing long after you’ve completed the 100 career events. With plenty of other driving games either fresh on the market or soon to drop, it would appear that Colin McRae DiRT 2 has the off-road side of the fence stitched up. If you’re a fan of racing through mud and dust, you’re not going to find a title out there that’s better than this.

Dirt 2 isn’t only for rally fans; it’s for all racing fans that have ever enjoyed pushing the pedal to medal in neck-and-neck high speed race. Not only does Dirt 2 have the speed, but it also has the danger, the graphics, and polish to be one of the most notable racers in the "next-generation" era of gaming. Codemasters knows how to make an impact and Dirt 2 continues to push the boundaries of off-road racing to the next level. The purists might not want to admit it, but hell; Dirt 2 is one smashing rally racing game. Sure, the sim aspects have been toned down, but Dirt 2 still has enough mojo to make you forget what you've missed in the first place. If you are a fan of racing games then Dirt 2 should be moved up in your priority list... this is one racer you shouldn't miss. Colin McRae would be proud, Codemasters has done it again.

Dirt 2 is the first of the big racing games about to be introduced to our consoles with the others (and perhaps bigger names) such as Gran Turismo 5, PGR5 and Blur all on the Horizon. The advantage that Dirt 2 has is that it is out first, is quite diverse and is also a very good racer (both in looks and execution). Whether you intend to buy these other games or not this title is certainly worth a look in the meantime.

DiRT 2 improves upon the original game in every area. The two primary areas of concern from before, the bare multiplayer features and the unrealistic driving model, have both undergone significant changes for the better. You can actually race against human opponents over the Internet in real time (like a real racing title!), and all of the wacky game modes from the single player campaign are available, from the precise gate crasher mode to points-based domination races. Of course, you can also engage in more classic rally races and more traditional eight-car events. The narrow, realistic tracks take place in varied environments that showcase the graphics well, from superb textures to exaggerated damage and watery special effects.

DiRT 2 is honestly one of the year’s best surprises in the sense that it surpasses expectations. The multiplayer this time around is improved by leaps and bounds since it now supports up to eight players competing to cross the finish line. Even for gamers who don’t appreciate the racing genre, there’s a lot of fun to be had in DiRT 2.

While some might consider off-road racing a “niche” category without much wide appeal, they would be dead wrong when it comes to DiRT 2. This title manages to combine the fun and excitement of the X Games with a technically solid racing engine and come up with an experience that can satisfy nearly every kind of race fan. Add to that tons of unlockables and challenges, toss in some excellent multiplayer, shake well with a lot of attitude, and you’ve got a game that no racing enthusiast should miss!

So Dirt 2 has renewed by faith in Rally racing games and made me hope and pray that people buy this enough to warrant a Dirt 3. With so many tracks, so many cars and so many ways to improve yourself in Dirt 2, I can't see how people would NOT want to take part in this game. Truly one of the better racing games in the last five to seven years.

A definite step up from the original in more ways than one. Immersive racing, jaw-dropping visuals, an extensive career and a vastly improved online mode make up for the game's few minor annoyances... like riding in vehicles that just aren’t that fun. It would be nice to see Codemasters step back towards the rally and rallycross aspects of the title for the inevitable sequel and leave the frankly boring aspects behind. Let’s face it, racing buggies and hummers isn’t exactly what I call fun. I wouldn’t race in them in any other racing game, so why force me to race them now? Otherwise, Dirt 2 is an impressive racer, but it kind of makes you think about what could have been though.

Dirt 2 is easily one of the best arcade racers on the market. In fact if you only own an Xbox 360 I’d argue that it’s quite possibly the best arcade racer on the system. Dirt 2 has amazing damage modeling, it has a sleek menu system, and the track selection is awesome. There are a few problems I have with the game such as the lack of local multiplayer, the sudden jump in difficulty, the occasional questionable spin-out due to the physics, and the tendency of the other racers not knowing when to shut up, but overall Dirt 2 is still a blast to play. It ranks right up there with Motorstorm Pacific Rift as the best arcade racer so far this generation. If only Dirt 2 had local multiplayer.

The fact that it's called Colin McRae: Dirt 2 and is not in any way connected to the WRC means that rallying has been, to some extent, left in the dust. The focus on X-game favourites like Dave Mirra, rather then any of the really big-name rally drivers, means that this should come as no surprise. If you accept that going in you'll find a very polished, user friendly game that's packed full of fun and caked in a thick layer of dirt.

Dirt 2’s amenities aren’t the only thing it has going for it. Codemasters’ bread and butter – racing – comes through loud and clear. The speed and hair-raising moments of rally racing or the more technical rally cross tracks require different racing mindsets, and the more offroad truck races (no semis this time, though) are another matter altogether. The game contains the sophistication of a sim-racer while still packing enough pick-up-and-play fun for anyone watching from the couch. I don’t imagine, however, that there are going to be a lot of people content to simply sit and watch Dirt 2 without getting their hands on ­it.

If you're not so fond of the realistic or simulation based racers such as Forza Motorsport or Race Pro, and prefer the more approachable, and more importantly arcade racers such as the likes of the Project Gotham Racing series, GRID and of course the original DiRT, then Colin McRae: DiRT 2 will certainly appeal as the finest racer of 2009, even if it is somewhat over shadowed by the dated original.

Dirt 2’s amenities aren’t the only thing it has going for it. Codemasters’ bread and butter – racing – comes through loud and clear. The speed and hair-raising moments of rally racing or the more technical rally cross tracks require different racing mindsets, and the more offroad truck races (no semis this time, though) are another matter altogether. The game contains the sophistication of a sim-racer while still packing enough pick-up-and-play fun for anyone watching from the couch. I don’t imagine, however, that there are going to be a lot of people content to simply sit and watch Dirt 2 without getting their hands on ­it.

DiRT 2 is different enough from its predecessor that this can be considered a companion piece to the original, as opposed to a full-blown sequel. This isn't a knock on the game at all. The graphics are a little better than the original, as is the sound; the atmosphere also has a better sense of immersion than in games past. However, some of the more serious aspects of rally racing, which were present in the prior version, are now missing. The 100-person online play, even if it wasn't simultaneous, will also be missed. Gamers looking for a more involving pure rally simulation will be better off playing the older titles, as the rally racing has been toned down. Those looking for an off-road racing game, though, should look no further, as this is the absolute best of the bunch.

Though Dirt 2's hip new outlook is a bit irksome, it's still an excellent racing game. It looks incredible, the driving is a lot of fun and it's got a healthy online component. Touches like using your 360 avatar as a windshield ornament, the way old buildings will actually fall apart when you crash into them and the game's music running backwards when reversing a replay all demonstrate the care and with which Codemasters have put this game together. The game's range of courses and cars aren't as far reaching as most titles, but Dirt 2 opts for quality over quantity. If you're into racing games, this one is a no-brainer.

Dirt 2 is prettier than its predecessor, has more varied tracks and a functional multiplayer offering. What it doesn’t have is a focus on pure time-trial rally races, which is really what I expect from a rally game. The other disciplines are fun to dabble in, but I’m old school and want a bit more tradition from a racing game. Dirt 2 is a solid racing game with some really fun events and a slick menu system, but it could use a little less of the arcade action and a bit more of the sim. I think the vast majority of racing fans are going to love what Dirt 2 has to offer, but there will be a few who long for the days when a hill climb was considered the ultimate racing experience.

Dirt 2 is prettier than its predecessor, has more varied tracks and a functional multiplayer offering. What it doesn’t have is a focus on pure time-trial rally races, which is really what I expect from a rally game. The other disciplines are fun to dabble in, but I’m old school and want a bit more tradition from a racing game. Dirt 2 is a solid racing game with some really fun events and a slick menu system, but it could use a little less of the arcade action and a bit more of the sim. I think the vast majority of racing fans are going to love what Dirt 2 has to offer, but there will be a few who long for the days when a hill climb was considered the ultimate racing experience.

Though some parts of the game tend to be frustrating in how poorly they were handled, Dirt 2 is still a good, fun racing game in a genre that's underrepresented on every console. This is one of those strange games that manages to exceed the sum of its parts, that being a hodgepodge of off-road racing styles thrown together and tied together with the whole X-Games thing. Thankfully those styles resulted in some good racing action, though as one might expect, the rally racing still manages to be the best part of the game. It almost validates some of the crazies who have practically pinned Codemasters to the stake for distancing themselves from the genre. Thanks to a lengthy career mode and solid online, the game has tons of value for its $60 price, and thanks to the meager racing options this fall on PS3, is one of the few choices for genre fans. At least it's a good one. Long as you're not hung up on the whole rally thing, Dirt 2 delivers solid fun.

Though some parts of the game tend to be frustrating in how poorly they were handled, Dirt 2 is still a good, fun racing game in a genre that's underrepresented on every console. This is one of those strange games that manages to exceed the sum of its parts, that being a hodgepodge of off-road racing styles thrown together and tied together with the whole X-Games thing. Thankfully those styles resulted in some good racing action, though as one might expect, the rally racing still manages to be the best part of the game. It almost validates some of the crazies who have practically pinned Codemasters to the stake for distancing themselves from the genre. Thanks to a lengthy career mode and solid online, the game has tons of value for its $60 price and is one of the few choices for genre fans. At least it's a good one. Long as you're not hung up on the whole rally thing, Dirt 2 delivers solid fun.

Teaming up with other drivers (player or CPU-controlled) is an interesting addition to the gameplay. It makes racing a bit more dynamic than before. For that reason, I'd sooner recommend you play this one in multiplayer. Otherwise you may not get the full effect if you stick with the Career Mode. The previous game made if possible for 100 people to take part in online racing. The major bummer was that you couldn't compete with others on the same track. Now, each event in the game can be experienced online against or with up to seven other players. Getting into the races this way, literarily changes the overall appeal of DiRT 2, making it one of the most enjoyable driving games I've played in a long, long time.

Dirt 2 is simply a delight to see and a joy to play for anyone who’s even moderately into racing games. And that’s Codemasters’ big success here -they wanted to make a racing game everyone could get into, be they hardcore sim fans, Sunday drivers or everything in-between. It’s fast, it’s fun and it’s beautiful, so get out there and get dirty!

While racing games – especially those of the Xtreme variety – are a dime a dozen nowadays, Dirt 2 features enough modes, extras, and overall dedication to detail that helps it stand above the pack. It may be somewhat lacking in old-school racing challenges, and can prove daunting for newbie racers, but the sheer volume of content far overshadows the game’s faults. Until Gran Turismo 5 arrives to challenge the crown, Dirt 2 stands as king of the racing mountain on the PS3.

DiRT 2 is a superb celebration of rallying as a sport, with a mixture of new events, which deserves to be played and enjoyed by any gamer with even a passing interest in the genre. The only real caveat is how much a potential player can stomach the more American-slanted approach the series is adopting with the departure of McRae.

Although DiRT 2 won't satisfy the hardcore's demands for a return to the serious tone of the old-school Colin McRae titles, this is nevertheless a fine sequel to an admirable title. Adding GRID's flashback feature allows the game to hit that sweet spot of accessibility without blunting its appeal, and allied to a plethora of consistently entertaining race disciplines and locations, it's an absorbing and technically accomplished experience from start to finish.

The game is clearly aimed at a more casual audience than ever before (no race seems to last more than five minutes) but viewed as a standalone title the legion of fudges work. The graphics are superb throughout and the multiplayer seems to be much improved from the original DiRT. If at the end it's not the rally game that long-time fans actually wanted you can only really blame global economics.

DiRT 2 is extraordinary sensory overload. It's gorgeous, it's thoroughly addictive, it mends past problems, and it's fun. Really fun. But it won't please all the realists out there, and it may not feel quite so perfect over the long haul. At $60, maybe it should have.

With a career mode that will keep you busy for hours on end, high quality multiplayer and excellent presentation values, DiRT 2 should appeal to just about anybody. There is almost no end to this title - the career mode is gigantic, and will take about as long to play through as the most expansive games in the genre. That length is then further expanded with a well-designed multiplayer mode component. This excellent rally experience should not be missed by anyone with even the slightest interest in the sport.

With a career mode that will keep you busy for hours on end, high quality multiplayer and excellent presentation values, DiRT 2 should appeal to just about anybody. There is almost no end to this title - the career mode is gigantic, and will take about as long to play through as the most expansive games in the genre. That length is then further expanded with a well-designed multiplayer mode component. This excellent rally experience should not be missed by anyone with even the slightest interest in the sport.

DiRT 2 is extraordinary sensory overload. It's gorgeous, it's thoroughly addictive, it mends past problems, and it's fun. Really fun. But it won't please all the realists out there, and it may not feel quite so perfect over the long haul. At $60, maybe it should have.

All in all Dirt 2 is a marked improvement on Dirt and a solid entry into the McRae series. It will have its detractors and traditionalists who will look down on it, but in a sport that is fading away in popularity it has enough to keep people interested. Dirt 2 is never going to be your main racer and it does have its faults, namely online ranked matches and the lack of a Championship mode, yet it is a perfect partner to your main racing game and works as a lovely pick up and play title.

The presentation and X-Games affiliation don’t feel like the most natural directions for the series, nor the most effective, and often Dirt 2 seems like it’s simply trying too hard. But look beyond that and it’s clear that Codemasters is as attuned to track-building and racecraft as it has ever been.

With the arcade racing innovation of Split/Second and Blur just around the corner, and the simulation behemoths of Forza 3 and Gran Turismo 5 occupying the other end of the scale, DiRT 2 – with its ultimately well-judged balance between substance and style – is perfectly placed to occupy the niche that exists between both racing camps. The purists, those reared on the early Playstation games, may gripe that this isn’t the McRae series of yore. And they’d be right. For DiRT 2 is something altogether more ambitious, interesting and fun. It’s also a fitting testament to the great man himself.

Aesthetically Dirt 2 is incredible. On the inside though it is flawed – the arcade nature of the game has changed the handling and feel to the game and for that, it could well be the downfall for the title. Let’s hope the next instalment which will probably feature without the Colin McRae subtitle, will improve things, otherwise repetition and off-road racing is not a good mix. Dirt 2 is a definite recommendation and worth a rent, but it’s not riding on the success of the original.

Ultimately though, my complaints about DiRT 2 are very minor. The game captures the fun of arcade racing while keeping its little toe in the simulation pool. It's only a minor step up from GRiD, but DiRT 2 continues Codemaster's work to perfect its already entertaining racing formula. The game will probably disappoint gamers looking for a hardcore, rally simulation, but the truth is they'll probably be having too much fun to notice.

In other words, if getting “knocked up” is something your “mates” regularly do to you, then you’ll probably wonder why Codemasters decided to “cock up” the series. For everyone else, Dirt 2 is a fine sequel to Grid… um, I mean, Dirt.

Ultimately though, my complaints about DiRT 2 are very minor. The game captures the fun of arcade racing while keeping its little toe in the simulation pool. It's only a minor step up from GRiD, but DiRT 2 continues Codemaster's work to perfect its already entertaining racing formula. The game will probably disappoint gamers looking for a hardcore, rally simulation, but the truth is they'll probably be having too much fun to notice.

In other words, if getting “knocked up” is something your “mates” regularly do to you, then you’ll probably wonder why Codemasters decided to “cock up” the series. For everyone else, Dirt 2 is a fine sequel to Grid… um, I mean, Dirt.

Imagine my surprise then that the game seems as huge step backward compared to the first game in terms of content. Retailers such as GAME expect you to pay £45 for this, that's more than £5 per full rally stage. No doubt we'll be offered some courses as DLC, but Dirt 2 really can't be said to offer value for money without at least 10 more rally courses at a bare minimum. I really enjoyed playing Dirt 2. It breaks my heart really to give it a low overall score, but you just can't expect people to pay high prices for very little content. In these hard economic times value for money is as important as gameplay.

There's a lot of edgy guitar music, and the load screens are nicely disguised by colorful montages previewing the race ahead. Still, there's nothing really exceptional about Dirt 2. The controls are hard to grasp, and you'll be hitting restart a lot. The "flashback" option lets you "rewind" a race to correct a mistake, but this feature is both cheap and poorly explained. There's no split-screen option. The game also places too much emphasis on superfluous unlockables like liveries and dashboard toys. Who gives a [expletive]? All in all, Dirt 2 is a serviceable rally racer that fails to stand out from the crowd. Casual gamers need not apply.